Human Anatomy and Physiology : Organs

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Human Anatomy and Physiology

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Identifying Structures Of The Brain

What is the falx cerebelli?

Possible Answers:

A thin meningeal layer that covers the surface of the brain

A dural fold that separates the cerebellar hemispheres

A dural fold that separates the cerebrum and cerebellum

A fluid filled cavity within the cerebrum

Correct answer:

A dural fold that separates the cerebellar hemispheres

Explanation:

The falx cerebelli is a dural fold that separates the two cerebellar hemispheres. The tentorium cerebelli is the dural fold that separates the cerebrum from the cerebellum. A ventricle is a fluid filled cavity within the cerebrum through which cerebrospinal fluid circulates. The pia mater is the deepest, thin meningeal layer that covers the surface of the brain.

Example Question #1 : Identifying Structures Of The Brain

Which of the following describes the medulla?

Possible Answers:

Lowest part of the brainstem

The highest part of the brainstem

Protruding columns that contain bundles of motor nerve fibers

Round bulges that relay signals to the cerebellum

Correct answer:

Lowest part of the brainstem

Explanation:

The medulla (oblongata) is the lowest part of the brainstem. It controls many autonomic functions such as regulation of heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure. The pyramids are the two protruding columns found on the front of the medulla that contain motor nerve fibers. The olives are the round bulges found on the front and side of the medulla that relay signals to the cerebellum. The midbrain is the highest part of the brainstem.

Example Question #11 : Identifying Structures Of The Brain

Which of the following describes the cerebrum?

Possible Answers:

The largest part of the brain

The folds within the brain

The "little" brain that controls balance and coordination

Grooves between the gyri

Correct answer:

The largest part of the brain

Explanation:

The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and is responsible for the higher levels of thinking. The gyri are the folds of the brain (cerebrum) and the sulci are the grooves between the gyri. The cerebellum is the little brain and is responsible for balance and coordination.

Example Question #551 : Human Anatomy And Physiology

Which of the following describes the diencephalon?

Possible Answers:

The area of the brain between the brainstem and the cerebrum

A fluid filled cavity within the brain

The area of the brain between the cerebral hemispheres

A small pea sized structure that controls the endocrine system

Correct answer:

The area of the brain between the brainstem and the cerebrum

Explanation:

The diencephalon is the region of the brain between the cerebrum and the brain stem; it contains the epithalamus, thalamus, hypothalamus, ventral thalamus, and the third ventricle. The corpus callosum is the structure that connects right and left cerebral hemispheres. The pituitary gland is the small structure in the brain that controls the endocrine system. A ventricle is a fluid filled cavity within the brain.

Example Question #552 : Human Anatomy And Physiology

What structures form the central nervous system (CNS)?

Possible Answers:

Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems

Nerve roots and nerves

Spinal cord and brain

Autonomic and somatic nervous systems

Correct answer:

Spinal cord and brain

Explanation:

The nervous system consists of the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS can be thought of as the body's master control unit, it consist of the spinal cord, brainstem, and brain. The PNS is the body's link to the outside world, and consists of the autonomic nervous system (which branches into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system) and the somatic nervous system. 

Example Question #553 : Human Anatomy And Physiology

When studying an anatomy diagram, which of the following areas of the brain is most activated?

Possible Answers:

Olfactory lobe

Wernicke's area

Parietal lobe

Occipital lobe

Temporal lobe

Correct answer:

Occipital lobe

Explanation:

The occipital lobe is the main area for interpreting visual stimuli. Wernicke's area is responsible for speech perception. The parietal lobe processes the sensations of touch, pressure, and temperature amongst other things. The temporal lobe processes sound mainly. Wernicke's area is located here. The olfactory lobe is involved in processing the sense of smell.

Example Question #561 : Human Anatomy And Physiology

Which of the following is not part of the cerebellum?

Possible Answers:

Dentate nucleus

Vermis

Flocculonodular lobe

Red nucleus

Correct answer:

Red nucleus

Explanation:

The red nucleus is part of the midbrain. The vermis is part of the cerebellum and helps regulate trunk coordination, as well as vestibulo-ocular reflexes (VORs). The flocculonodular lobes, also part of the cerebellum, and work with the vermis to maintain trunk control and also help control the VORs. The dentate nucleus is a part of the cerebellum involved in motor planning in movement of the arms and legs.

Example Question #16 : Identifying Structures Of The Brain

Which of the following cranial nerve nuclei is not correctly paired with the region of the brain where it originates?

Possible Answers:

Trigeminal nerve-mesencephalic nucleus-midbrain

Facial nerve-superior salivatory nucleus-medulla

Trigeminal nerve-masticator nucleus-pons

Facial nerve-facial motor nucleus-pons

Correct answer:

Facial nerve-superior salivatory nucleus-medulla

Explanation:

The salivatory nucleus gives rise to the nerves that innervate the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands, as well as the lacrimal and nasal glands, and is the parasympathetic motor nucleus of the facial nerve however, it is found in the dorsal pons, not the medulla. The masticator nucleus is the trigeminal nerve motor nucleus, and is found in the pons. The mesencephalic nucleus is a sensory nucleus of the trigeminal nerve, and is found in the pons. The facial motor nucleus is found in the pons, and gives rise to the facial nerve branches that innervate the muscles of facial expression.

Example Question #11 : Identifying Structures Of The Brain

Which of the following cranial nerve nucleus is not associated with a parasympathetic function?

Possible Answers:

Superior salivatory nucleus

Edinger-Westphal nucleus

Nucleus ambiguus

Inferior salivatory nucleus

Correct answer:

Nucleus ambiguus

Explanation:

The Edinger-Westphal nucleus is the parasympathetic nuclues of cranial nerve III, and innervates (among other structures) the pupillary constrictors and lens ciliary muscles. The inferior salivatory nucleus is the parasympathetic nucleus of cranial nerve IX, and gives rise to the nerve that innervates the parotid gland. The superior salivatory nucleus is the parasympathetic nucleus of the facial nerve, and innvervates (among other structures) the submandibular and sublingual glands. The nucleus ambiguus has no parasympathetic function and is associated with motor functions of cranial nerves IX and X.

Example Question #12 : Identifying Structures Of The Brain

The precentral gyrus is located in which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Occipital lobe

Temporal lobe 

Parietal lobe

Frontal lobe

Insula

Correct answer:

Frontal lobe

Explanation:

The precentral gyrus is an important fold found in the frontal lobe and is a landmark for the primary motor area. The parietal lobe contains another important gyrus called the postcentral gyrus, which is the landmark for the somatosensory area of the cerebral cortex. The primary auditory area is located in the temporal lobe while the primary visual area is located in the occipital lobe. The insula is a structure that lies within the lateral fissure. It cannot be seen in the external view of the brain and plays a role in the limbic system. 

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